A GROUP of concerned animal lovers broke into a shed to feed eleven dogs they claim were being kept in appalling conditions.

They filmed the raid on a mobile phone and posted the footage on Facebook.

The video, which appears to show the dogs in cramped, dirty cages, has been shared more than 3,000 times.

One of the group, who did not want to be named, described the situation as "heartbreaking" and likened it to a "doggy prison".

The dogs' owner, Jan Malick, strongly denies the allegations, which relate to eleven adult cocker spaniels he keeps at his home in Quidhampton.

The group reported Mr Malick to the RSPCA for neglect.

They claim the dogs are left without food for days on end, but Mr Malick, who works as a coach driver, insists he loves his dogs.

The Journal spoke to Mr Malick at his home and he claimed he fed and walked all of his dogs daily at 3am before heading to work.

He branded the claims as "pack of lies" and said the situation had been "blown out of proportion".

When he returned from work to find the group on his property on Monday, Mr Malick reported them to the police for criminal damage and says they "stressed out" his animals.

He said: "These dogs aren't starving, they are always fed.

"This is going to break my heart because this is my family."

RSPCA officers visited the house on Monday and are investigating.

An RSPCA spokesman said: "The RSPCA takes all complaints about animal welfare very seriously.

"An inspector and police officers have attended an address in Salisbury on a couple of occasions after we were called with concerns about some dogs living there.

"We have seen the animals present at the property and have spoken to the owner. Improvements have been suggested and the owner is currently making changes to comply with these suggestions. We are however continuing to monitor the dogs’ welfare.

"The RSPCA is a charity and has to act within the law. We cannot remove an animal without the support of a vet or police officer.

"Anyone with any information about any animal welfare issue should contact 0300 1234 999."